Expertise.com
2024

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Best Acupuncturists in Santa Monica

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Santa Monica Acupuncturists on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

32

Reviewed

24

Curated

14

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Why choose this provider?

Awaken Now Acupuncture is the office of Dr. Marina Dabcevic, and customers have called the doctor "incredibly knowledgeable" and someone who "truly invests in her clients." Dr. Dabcevic, chiropractor Dr. Mike Buckle, and the company's caring staff are dedicated to helping customers achieve wellness, and relief from conditions such as chronic pain, injuries, stress and depression, insomnia, and fertility problems. Treatments include acupuncture, cupping, far infrared sauna, reflexology, hot stone therapy, and therapeutic deep tissue, prenatal, and infant massage.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (13)

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Why choose this provider?

Dr. Laurel Binder is a licensed and highly certified acupuncturist in Santa Monica, CA with over 20 years of experience in the women’s healthcare field. She provides Traditional Chinese Medicine services with an emphasis on healthcare that is personalized based on a client’s individual needs. Clients are appreciative of her warm, sympathetic, and reassuring demeanor as well as her confidence and expertise in her field.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (30)

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Why choose this provider?

Customers have left excellent reviews about the services provided by acupuncturist Elaina Greenberg, and one customer said: "She is warm, welcoming and makes you feel completely comfortable and safe." The acupuncturist holds a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a Bachelors in Organic Chemistry and Phytopharmacology, and interned at the Shu Guang Hospital in Shanghai China. Elaina Greenberg provides natural treatments for autoimmune diseases, chronic and acute pain, women's health issues, respiratory illnesses, and mental and emotional imbalances.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)
Google
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Why choose this provider?

The certified professionals at Thumos Health Center specialize in acupuncture and Chinese herbology and treat a range of health and wellness issues. The company's acupuncture treatments are customized for each customer and are used for a variety of conditions such as infertility, menstrual pain, chronic headaches, neck and back pain, digestive issues, addictions, and weakened immune systems. The company's herbal medicines are safe and custom-blended to help increase immunity, ease allergy symptoms, and increase fertility.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Why choose this provider?

Wren Acupuncture is a Santa Monica-based acupuncture clinic owned by Tamara Tifft, L.Ac. Tamara received her Masters in Acupuncture and Herbology from the Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine and is certified as a licensed professional in Traditional Chinese Medicine by the state of California. She has been in private practice for over 11 years, and her previous experience as an acupuncturist in rehabilitation centers in Malibu provided her with insight into a wide range of conditions. Tamara specializes in pain management, stress related disorders, addiction, women's health, and gastrointestinal disorders. Services include acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbology.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Culver City, CA 90232

Why choose this provider?

Majid and Ahnjel Ali of Ali Optimal Wellness are board certified acupuncturists, and customers have called their services "a lifesaver." The company offers a full-service Chinese herbal pharmacy with over 300 medicinal and supplemental herbs, and nutritional counseling, custom exercise programs and support, and professional acupuncture treatments. Customers can also participate in the company's special acupuncture and yoga workshops, and Ali Optimal Wellness will provide customers with itemized superbills to submit to insurance companies.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (30)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (11)
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Why choose this provider?

Katy Frame Acupuncture & Holistic Sports Medicine is a full-service natural healing and wellness center. The company offers a range of acupuncture treatments for conditions ranging from ADHD and PMS to migraines and sciatica. Expert hara diagnosis is available, as well as therapies like cupping, Gua Sha, moxibustion, medical qi gong, herbal medicine, and lifestyle and nutritional counseling. Holistic sports medicine and Kinesio taping are available for athletes suffering from chronic injuries and pain, and the company provides cosmetic acupuncture for facial rejuvenation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Why choose this provider?

Pacific Bay Integrative Health Center provides whole-body healing and wellness services, and the company's licensed acupuncturist and herbalist has studied in the U.S. and China to learn the art of Chinese medicine. The company provides a blend of acupuncture, massage therapy, nutritional coaching, and traditional herbs to treat a range of conditions, such as migraines, bladder infections, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, neck, back, and joint pain, and the pain and discomfort caused by pregnancy and childbirth.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (19)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Why choose this provider?

Dr. Mindy Boxer offers more than 25 years of experience in acupuncture, natural medicine, nutrition, and homeopathy. The company provides natural treatments for men's and women's health and sexual issues, as well as issues with digestion, emotional wellness, addiction, stress, chronic pain, and the symptoms of HIV. Dr. Boxer is one of Southern California's only practitioners of Infertility Acupuncture's Hunyuan Method and offers natural fertility treatments to increase the chances of conceiving. Customers can call, or contact the company on the website to schedule an appointment.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (4)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Why choose this provider?

Tao Of Medicine is a Santa Monica acupuncture and functional medicine clinic that offers natural therapies and treatments from an experienced doctor. The company provides a range of treatments options, including radio frequency therapy, cupping, Qigong, moxibustion, ultrasound cavitation, and Sasang Constitutional Medicine. Dr. Hoon Kim's natural treatments help problems like neck, back, and joint pain, fibromyalgia pain, menstrual cramping, migraines, and infertility. One happy customer wrote, "Dr. Kim is amazing at what he does and I highly recommend him to anyone."

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (70)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Why choose this provider?

Heavenly Tides Acupuncture is a Santa Monica alternative medical clinic, and the company's doctor is a Member of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The company offers treatments like Tui Na bodywork, cupping, herbal medicines and supplements, and acupuncture, and the doctor helps relieve the symptoms of many different conditions, from allergies to sciatica to infertility. The company also offers rejuvenating facial acupuncture for $125 per 90-minute treatment, and customers can save 20% by purchasing a three- or ten session package.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)
Google
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1155 S Beverly Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90035

Why choose this provider?

The experienced doctor at Robert Youngs Acupuncture is certified in Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture and offers a range of natural, holistic medical treatments. The company helps people suffering from conditions like arthritis, addiction, chronic pain, migraines, infertility, and the symptoms of menopause, and offers cosmetic acupuncture for facial rejuvenation. Herbs and herbal medicine blends are also available, and the company uses only tested professional-grade herbs. New customers can download the New Patient intake form from the company's website.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (159)
Google
5.0 / 5 (120)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (28)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Why choose this provider?

Lucy Postolov is a licensed acupuncturist who holds a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine, and who was the first licensed acupuncturist to be given full privileges at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Lucy Postolov specializes in treating conditions like infertility, neurological disorders, gynecological disorders, and addictions, and offers specialized acupuncture and treatments for people with cancer who are suffering from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. One happy customer wrote, "Lucy's acupuncture treatments took me from disability to being able to work again."

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (14)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Why choose this provider?

Health Quest Acupuncture is the practice of Monika Kobylecka, a licensed acupuncturist who holds a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and specializes in the Kiiko Matsumoto Style of acupuncture. The practice is based at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where Monika provides caring treatment for pediatric patients, supervises students in the CHLA-YSU Pediatric Acupuncture Program, and offers acupuncture treatment to the hospital's staff, nurses, and doctors. Monika also teaches introductory Kiiko Matsumoto Style Acupuncture classes around the country and the world.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Acupuncture is an alternative medicine technique. It involves the strategic placement of small, fine needles puncturing the skin on various areas of the body to relieve pain or treat other medical conditions. The needles are left in place for about 10 minutes to half an hour while the patient relaxes. The selection of the proper acupoints requires skill and knowledge.

    The practice of acupuncture originated in Asia many centuries ago. Chinese acupuncture may also involve electrical stimulation or heat application for heightened effect. Some Chinese acupuncturists also slowly spin or twirl the needles after insertion. On the other hand, Japanese acupuncture is less invasive, with shallow needle insertion and no needle manipulation. Korean acupuncture focuses on needle placement only in the feet and hands.  

    Though acupuncture was highly controversial in Western medicine for many years, most of the medical community now recognizes its effectiveness for pain management. Only anecdotal evidence exists for treatments beyond pain relief.
  • How does acupuncture work?

    Research hasn’t yet determined exactly how acupuncture works, but there are two main theories. One is that it operates on a neurological level by stimulating muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, triggering natural pain relief effects. Others believe acupuncture balances a person’s energies — chi — creating physical, emotional, and mental harmony, which relieves pain and improves health. 

  • Does Medicare cover acupuncture?

    Medicare Part B covers acupuncture solely to treat low back pain. The condition must have no known cause and have lasted for at least 12 weeks. Only a doctor or properly licensed and trained medical provider may perform the acupuncture. Medicare initially approves up to 12 sessions over 90 days. With demonstrated improvement, up to eight more visits may be allowed.

  • Is acupuncture effective?

    Studies by the National Institute of Health confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for addiction, nausea, headaches, asthma, some stroke rehabilitation, and pain management for various conditions. The NIH studies support the use of acupuncture alone and combined with traditional treatment methods. Additional research by other scientific and medical organizations demonstrates that acupuncture is typically successful in the treatment of pain.

  • Does acupuncture hurt?

    Acupuncture should not be painful. The unfamiliar sensation may be uncomfortable at first, but that typically goes away after the first session. People with high sensitivity levels or low pain tolerance may experience heightened sensations. However, any discomfort should be minor and brief. Some common feelings at the acupuncture points are warmth, tingling, heaviness, or mild achiness.

  • How much does acupuncture cost?

    Acupuncture prices vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $300 per session. Initial sessions usually cost more than follow-up appointments. Initial sessions on the high end of the pricing scale usually include a consultation and medical exam along with the acupuncture session. Some acupuncturists offer membership price breaks or discounts for prepaid multiple sessions. Shop around before deciding on an acupuncturist.

  • Does insurance cover acupuncture?

    Some health care insurance carriers cover acupuncture for specific medical conditions. But it depends on the location, insurance provider, insurance plan, and reason for the treatments. Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Health Net, Banner Health, and Humana are examples of some private insurers that may cover acupuncture with various restrictions. Contact your provider to learn more.